Aerial refueling boom with translating pivot
US5996939A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 28, 1998 |
| Grant date | Dec 7, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 28, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64D39/00
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An aerial refueling system includes a pod assembly which is removably mounted for translation on an elongated pylon secured to the underside of an aircraft fuselage, whereby the pod assembly is moved relatively forward on the fuselage for stowage and relatively aftward on the fuselage for refueling operations. The pod assembly includes a pivotable, telescoping boom having control surfaces by which to aerodynamically position the boom's free end relative to the pod assembly. A coupling preferably establishes fluid communication between the boom and a fuel tank within the aircraft fuselage only when the pod assembly assumes the relatively-aftward refueling position on the pylon. A ram-air turbine on the forward end of the pod assembly provides all necessary power for the pod assembly, with wireless remote operation of all pod assembly functions preferably used to minimize the extent of alterations when installing the aerial refueling system on the aircraft.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.